8 rookies that will put up Pro-Bowl like numbers in 2015

The Grand Introduction

Last season eight rookie wide receivers caught at least 50 passes while three eclipsed the 1,000-yards receiving mark. Jeremy Hill rushed for 1,124 yards and Derek Carr not only threw for 3,270 yards but connected on 21 touchdown throws too. But it was guys in the trenches -- defensive tackle Aaron Donald, linebacker C.J. Mosely and offensive guard Zack Martin -- who were the only rookie representatives at the 2014 Pro Bowl. FOX Sports South offers eight rookies in 2015 that could put up Pro-Bowl like numbers.

Melvin Gordon, San Diego Chargers

While it's impossible to forget about the 2,587 yards he rushed for and the 29 rushing touchdowns he scored, Melvin Gordon is in the NFL and running roughshod over defenses will get tougher now. He's still an excellent guess for Offensive Rookie of the Year, has already been working with the first team in offseason workouts and has drawn comparisons to Jamaal Charles. While the Chargers spread the ball out on offense, Gordon's speed should be utilized as a weapon, and the rookie could churn some huge numbers.

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Amari Cooper, Oakland Raiders

Early reports from Oakland's offseason sessions have been extremely positive when it comes to rookie wideout Amari Cooper. He's a great route runner, doesn't make mistakes and is incredibly fast. Let's not forget that Cooper, at 6-foot-1, has great size and has a reputation as a tough, physical receiver. As Derek Carr grows as a second-year passer, Cooper should shine as a weapon in this Raiders offense that's going to have plenty of opportunity to move the football.

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Eric Kendricks, Minnesota Vikings

Eric Kendricks should be a super fit for the Vikings not only because Minnesota was a team in need (Kendricks seems a lock to line up next to former UCLA teammate Anthony Barr and Chad Greenway in the Vikings linebacker corps), but its defensive scheme favors linebackers. At 235 pounds, don't look at Kendricks as an undersized option at middle linebacker. Better yet, think of him as an incredibly tough, speedy playmaker that's made it his life's work to be all over the field. Also consider him a three-down linebacker from Day 1.

Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY SportsBruce Kluckhohn

Nelson Agholor, Philadelphia Eagles

It's going to be impossible not to compare Philadelphia's first-round pick Nelson Agholor with last year's outstanding rookie Jordan Matthews, who caught 67 passes for 782 yards and eight touchdowns. But if Agholor plans to make it to the Pro Bowl in his rookie season, he's going to have to surpass those totals. In Chip Kelly's offense with defenses focused on Matthews, Agholor may be able to do just that. He's an incredibly sure-handed receiver that runs fantastic routes, and has already shown he's willing to put in the work it takes to excel at the NFL level. Photo: Matt Rourke, AP

Landon Collins, New York Giants

Landon Collins has already spent time with the first team and should compete for a starting role from Week 1. He's already shown his leadership and intelligence by taking the reigns of play calling in the defensive backfield, and he proved at Alabama what kind of aggressive in-the-box bully he can be. That's exactly what the Giants need after a very porous run defense finished 30th in the NFL last season. But Collins could also emerge as more than just a box safety. If that happens, he could turn into a draft-day steal for the Giants.

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Tevin Coleman, Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons ran a pass-happy offense for the past few seasons, but the new coaching staff -- offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, in particular -- will likely move toward a more balanced attack. This should be good news for the running backs on the roster, and rookie Tevin Coleman will likely play a large role -- he may even win the job as Atlanta's primary back from Week 1. If that happens, Coleman could put up some serious numbers as the go-to guy for the Falcons.

Dale Zanine-USA TODAY SportsDale Zanine

Alvin Dupree, Pittsburgh Steelers

Bud Dupree spent his senior season at Kentucky all over the place on the defensive side of the football. While that might have kept his numbers somewhat pedestrian, learning that versatility will pay off in the NFL. Dupree will hit the ground running as an outside linebacker in the Steelers' 3-4 scheme. He's even athletic enough to be helpful in coverage. But on third-down, in pass-rushing situations Dupree could even come down and rush the passer with his hand in the dirt. Once he fully grasps the defense, Dupree might be versatile enough to move inside and rush the passer from the three-technique too. Photo: Keith Srakocic, AP

Tyler Lockett, Seattle Seahawks

One thing safeties and nickel cornerbacks don't want to see when they're covering receivers in the slot is speed. With a 4.4 in the 40-yard dash, Tyler Lockett is blazing fast. He'll pose problems by taking the top off defenses when defenders lose him in traffic. When you add in the fact that tight end Jimmy Graham will also be patrolling the middle of the field, Lockett will get lots of single-coverage looks. Lockett will also step in and help on special teams immediately. As an impact player on offense and in the return game, Lockett's worth will be high. Photo: Elaine Thompson, AP